Required Documents:
1. Valid Government-Issued ID (Passport or Driver’s License)
- This should match the information on your Amazon Seller Central account.
2. Proof of Address (Utility Bill or Bank Statement)
- The document must be recent (within the last 90 days).
- The name on the document must match the account holder’s name.
3. Business Information (If Registering as a Company)
- Business Registration Certificate (if applicable).
- Articles of Incorporation (for corporations).
- Business address proof.
4. Bank Account & Credit Card (For Payments & Fees)
- A bank statement from a Canadian or US bank.
- A credit or debit card for Amazon seller fees.
5. Taxpayer Identification (EIN or ITIN)
- If selling as an individual: Social Security Number (SSN) or Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) (not common for Canadians).
- If selling as a business: Employer Identification Number (EIN) (recommended for tax benefits).
2. Tax Requirements for Canadian Sellers on Amazon USA
Selling in the USA from Canada requires compliance with IRS (Internal Revenue Service) regulations.
A. Completing the Amazon Tax Interview (W-8BEN / W-8BEN-E Form)
Amazon requires non-US sellers to complete a tax interview within Seller Central. The two most common forms are:
W-8BEN (For Individuals)
- Declares that you are a non-US person to avoid double taxation.
- No US tax withholding if completed correctly.
W-8BEN-E (For Businesses)
- Required for Canadian corporations selling on Amazon USA.
- Ensures correct tax classification.
B. Obtaining an EIN (Employer Identification Number)
Why You Need It:
- Required if selling as a business entity.
- Allows you to file US taxes without an SSN.
- Prevents Amazon from withholding 30% of your payments.
How to Get an EIN (For Canadians)
- Call the IRS at +1-267-941-1099 and apply over the phone.
- Submit IRS Form SS-4 via fax/mail.
- Free process, takes about 4-6 weeks.
C. US Sales Tax Responsibilities
- Unlike Canada, the US has a state-level sales tax system.
- If using FBA, Amazon may collect and remit sales tax on your behalf in certain states.
- Register for sales tax in Nexus states if selling large volumes.
3. Payment Setup for Receiving Funds from Amazon USA
As a Canadian seller, you need a way to receive USD payments from Amazon and convert them efficiently.
Option 1: Use a US Bank Account
- Open a US bank account in Canada (e.g., TD Bank, RBC, Scotiabank US accounts).
- Amazon will deposit payments directly in USD.
Option 2: Use a Payment Service Provider (Recommended)
If you don’t have a US bank account, use services like:
- Wise (formerly TransferWise)
- Payoneer
- Revolut
- OFX
These services allow you to:
- Get a virtual US bank account.
- Convert USD to CAD at better exchange rates.
- Withdraw funds to your Canadian bank.
Option 3: Use Amazon Currency Converter
- Amazon can deposit CAD directly into your Canadian bank.
- Downside: Higher currency conversion fees (Amazon takes a small percentage).
Final Steps to Get Started
- Register on Amazon Seller Central (USA).
- Complete KYC verification.
- Fill out the W-8BEN/W-8BEN-E form.
- Obtain an EIN (if registering as a business).
- Set up a payment method (US bank or Payoneer/Wise).
- Start listing your products & apply for GTIN exemptions.